Community Health

Toquaht Nation is committed to promoting the social, spiritual, and economic success of our masčim (citizens). Our Community Services department strives to ensure the well-being and personal development of all citizens across their lifespan, and we have programs to support this goal.

We offer the following health services to all Toquaht citizens:

• Advocating for access to appropriate health service providers and providing referrals.
• Providing health education, advice, and counseling to individuals and groups.
• Offering a top-up to the patient medical transportation program to cover out-of-pocket expenses.
• Providing a Toquaht non-insured health benefit program to cover extra medical costs not covered by FNHA or other service providers.

Our staff adheres to the Toquaht Nation Government Code of Conduct and Oath of Confidentiality to ensure your privacy is protected when dealing with any matter related to your health and wellbeing.

Non-Insured Health Benefit (NIHB)

We recognize that some citizens require additional support to maintain their health and well-being, as well as alternative health-care options that may provide significant health benefits but are not covered by other health benefit plans.

To address this, the Non-Insured Health Benefits Policy and application was created. It supports Toquaht citizens who lack insured health benefits, as well as those seeking to supplement existing funding from other organizations (such as FNHA, disability, social assistance) as needed.

To apply for this support, complete the Non-Insured Health Benefit Application Form and submit it to Noreen at noreenf@toquaht.ca. Noreen can also be contacted for assistance with the application process.

Health Services in Macoah

We are committed to expanding and improving the services available to Toquaht citizens in Macoah. Currently, citizens can access the following services:

• NTC community nursing and mental health services.
• Monthly visits from Dr. Marshall.
• Regular home and safety assessments for Elders and people with disabilities.
• Foot care for residents with diabetes and/or mobility issues.
• Physiotherapy and occupational therapy through various Island Health service providers, with a referral from a medical doctor.

We are also working with uu-stuk-yuu to match mentors and mentees for those interested in traditional medicine and to bring traditional healers into the community.

In addition, citizens can request physiotherapy and occupational therapy through Island Health service providers who come to the community with a referral from their medical doctor.

We are continuously collaborating with service providers to bring additional support to the community, such as Quu’asa Comfort, Culture and Wellness sessions, grief and loss counselors, and Indian residential and day school support workers.

Patient Travel Program

The patient travel program is partially funded by the First Nations Health Authority through NTC. Toquaht citizens traveling for medical and dental appointments can access financial support to cover travel related costs. To learn about eligible costs under the program, please visit The First Nations Health Authority.

Toquaht Nation has a Patient Travel Top-Up Program to provide more equitable support for citizens traveling for medical purposes so they don’t need to pay out of pocket to have their health needs met. The program increases mileage and meal rates for expenses when traveling for medical purposes. Eligible meals will depend on the length of time required for travel to your appointments. Support for unusual circumstances may also be available.

Citizens who travel for medical and dental appointments are reminded to submit a “Confirmation of Appointment” form to the patient travel clerk after their appointment. This will allow you to receive travel funds before your appointment. Citizens must also submit a “Confirmation of Attendance” to the patient travel clerk. Citizens who do not submit confirmation of attendance may not be able to receive funds in advance for future appointments. Confirmation of attendance can be provided by your medical practitioner. 

Questions and requests can be directed to the patient travel clerk Noreen Frank by email at noreenf@toquaht.ca. Please ensure that you are eligible for the program before applying, and note that it only covers travel related expenses, not medical costs.

Virtual Doctor of the Day

To access medical services without a referral, Toquaht citizens can connect with a family doctor through the Virtual Doctor of the Day service. This service is available every day from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. via phone or Zoom. To get connected, simply call 1-855-344-3800.

Mental Wellness

Toquaht Nation upholds the guiding principle of ʔuuʔałuk (taking care of one another), which extends to our mental wellness. Our mental and physical health are interconnected, and our mental wellbeing is influenced by various factors such as our beliefs, values, relationships, and nature. We are committed to supporting our citizens’ mental health by connecting them with mental health services and connecting them with traditional healing practices and medicines through Uuštukyuu, a network of Indigenous traditional practitioners.

Our community services department offers a range of wellness and cultural workshops to promote positive mental and spiritual wellbeing. We can also connect citizens with mental health services and support them in accessing NIHB mental health benefits and private residential substance treatment. To receive support directly through Toquaht Nation Government, citizens can contact our Mental Health Outreach Coordinator, Christy, at christyb@toquaht.ca.

Toquaht Nation is committed to supporting the well-being of our masčim (citizens) through the Addictions Recovery Support Policy.

SMART Recovery

Toquaht Nation Government offers a mental health support program called Self-Management and Recovery Training (SMART), which is a global community of mutual-support groups. The program helps participants resolve addiction problems (to drugs or alcohol, or activities like gambling or overeating) through the SMART science-based and sensible 4-Point Program®. Participants find and develop the power within themselves to lead fulfilling and balanced lives. To join a group, please contact Christy at christyb@toquaht.ca. 

Mental Wellness and Substance Recovery Supports

To access direct support from the Toquaht Nation Government, citizens can contact Christy, our Mental Health Outreach Coordinator, at christyb@toquaht.ca. Christy can provide one-on-one support, help access treatment services, and create a plan for addiction recovery. Toquaht also offers limited funding for citizens on their journey to sobriety, including private residential treatment.

For addictions medicine and psychiatry specialist doctors, citizens can access Zoom or phone appointments through the First Nations Health Authority with a referral from a Health and Wellness Provider.

Providers are available Monday through Friday:

• Psychiatry services are available from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Substance Use and Addictions Medicine are available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

To get a referral to this service, please contact your health and wellness provider or (the First Nations Virtual Doctor of the Day)

More resources

If you or someone you know needs immediate assistance, we recommend reaching out to the following support resources:

• Hope for Wellness Help Line offers immediate mental health counseling and crisis intervention via phone or online chat. Call toll-free 1-855-242-3310 or start a confidential chat with a counselor at hopeforwellness.ca.  
• Indian Residential School Crisis Line is a national service for those experiencing pain or distress due to their residential school experience. Call toll-free 1-866-925-4419.
• Kuu-Us Crisis Line Society provides crisis services for Indigenous people across BC. You can call the adult/Elder line at 250-723-4050, the youth line at 250-723-2040, or toll-free at 1-800-588-8717. Learn more at www.kuu-uscrisisline.com.

Culture and Language

To celebrate and preserve Toquaht’s cultural heritage, the Culture Group gathers in Macoah every second Monday to engage in drumming, singing, dancing, and discuss cultural teachings and protocols. We also provide equipment for citizens to do their own canning, smoking, and vacuum packing of fish to promote access to traditional foods.

There is also a weekly language group that gathers in Macoah for citizens interested in learning how to speak their language. Toquaht can support citizens who are interested in traveling to Macoah to attend culture and language activities with travel funding. Contact Pamela at pamelaf@toquaht.ca for more information.

Recreation Activities at t̓uk̓ʷaaʔatḥiic hišimyiły̓ak (Toquaht Gathering Place)

Join us for a variety of regular group activities at t̓uk̓ʷaaʔatḥiic hišimyiły̓ak in Macoah. Activities may include cooking, art, cultural activities, wellness, and fitness classes. If you have any ideas or questions about the recreational activities you would like to attend, please contact Pamela at pamelaf@toquaht.ca.

Didn’t find what you were looking for? Check out these related pages:

• Child and Family Services for supports for children, youth and families
• Citizen Support for additional wellbeing supports for Elders and grieving

Check out our Events page for upcoming workshops and activities.